Obama, Pelosi congratulate Netanyahu

WASHINGTON (JTA) — President Obama called Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on becoming Israel’s new prime minister.

According to a White House statement, during the call Obama also "reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast commitment to Israel and its security" and told Netanyahu that he looked forward to working with him and his government "to address issues of mutual concern, including Iran and Arab-Israeli peace."

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, also congratulated Netanyahu, saying in a statement Tuesday that she looked forward to working with him and the new government."

"There is an unshakable bond between the United States and Israel," she said. "It grows out of our past and is strengthened by the fundamental values we share."

Pelosi, like Obama last week, also called for moving forward in peace talks on the 30th anniversary of the Camp David accords between Egypt and Israel.

"Reflecting on this anniversary is a reminder of the common cause the United States and Israel share — a safe and secure Israel living in peace with her neighbors," she said.